
TOKYO -- Japan's Defense Ministry plans to focus on bolstering the Self-Defense Forces' electronic combat capabilities, looking to catch up with other major powers in a critical aspect of modern warfare.
Electronic warfare will be a cornerstone of the ministry's planned 5.3 trillion yen ($48 billion) budget request for next fiscal year. Specialized departments will be set up within the Joint Staff and the Bureau of Defense Buildup Planning to improve the ministry's policy drafting in this area.